Pittsburgh Pirates on Wrong Side of History With Offensive Woes

The Pittsburgh Pirates magical season has hit a major lull as the bats have gone silent.

The Pittsburgh Pirates magical season has hit a major speed bump. 

The Pirates were the feel good story of the first month of the season but have now lost four straight and nine of their last 10. They've also fallen out of first place in the National League Central and now trail the Milwaukee Brewers by 1.5 games in the division race.

A major reason for the team's regression has been the woeful performance of the offense, which has reached historic levels of futility.

From the Twitter account @OptaSTATS:

Runs scored for the Pirates: 

Last 12 games: 18 runs 

Previous 12 games: 88 runs 

They're the first team in MLB history to score 80+ runs over a 12-game span in a season but then score fewer than 20 over their next 12.

Runs scored for the Pirates:

Last 12 games: 18 runs
Previous 12 games: 88 runs

They're the first team in MLB history to score 80+ runs over a 12-game span in a season but then score fewer than 20 over their next 12.

— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) May 14, 2023

The Pirates are averaging 1.5 runs a game over their last 12, entering play on Sunday.

A look at the offensive output recently:

Saturday: 0 runs vs. BAL

Friday: 3 runs vs. BAL

Wed: 3 runs vs. COL

Tues: 1 run vs. COL

Mon: 0 runs vs. COL

Sunday: 1 run vs. TOR

May 6th: 2 runs vs. TOR

May 5th: 0 runs vs. TOR

May 4th: 2 runs vs. TB

May 3rd: 1 run vs. TB

May 2nd: 1 run vs. TB

April 30th: 2 runs vs. WASH

Being shutout three times in 12 games is certainly not going to get it done. Luckily for Pittsburgh, the NL Central should leave them opportunity to stay in the race -- if they can right the offensive ship.

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